It is with great sadness that we have to inform our readers that the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has confirmed the death of its President and Chair, Wayne Connolly.
In an internal statement approved by the Connolly family, the NASC said it was “deeply saddened” to announce Mr Connolly’s sudden passing. His death has come as a shock to the scaffolding and access industry, particularly at what is traditionally a festive period.
Mr Connolly was a highly respected figure across the sector in the UK and internationally. His involvement with the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation began as a Regional Chair, before he went on to serve as Chair of the Membership Standards Committee.
He joined the NASC Board in 2022 and, in 2024, was appointed President and Chair of both NASC and the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS).
Alongside his UK roles, Mr Connolly also served as Chair of the International Access & Scaffolding Association (IASA), where he worked to promote collaboration, best practice and higher standards across international markets. He was widely regarded as a global leader in scaffolding and access, respected for his integrity, diplomacy and commitment to improving standards worldwide.
A leading businessman in the North West, Mr Connolly built a successful chain of automotive repair businesses before founding Connolly Scaffolding. Under his leadership, the company grew into a progressive and well-regarded contractor, most recently marked by the opening of a new office and a period of expansion in partnership with several key industry partners.
Within NASC, Mr Connolly was closely involved in the organisation’s recent transformation. He was passionate about raising standards, strengthening governance and ensuring the Confederation remained a credible, forward-looking voice for the industry. Colleagues described his leadership as calm, clear and principled.
Clive Dickin, Group Chief Executive of NASC, paid tribute to Mr Connolly’s impact on both a professional and personal level.
“Wayne was not only an outstanding President and Chairman, but a true friend. His belief in NASC, his commitment to doing the right thing, and his determination to improve our industry will leave a lasting legacy.”
The organisation said it is coordinating with Mr Connolly’s fiancé, Nicola, and that details of the funeral service and information on donations will be published on the NASC website in the coming days.
Scaffmag extends its sincere condolences to Wayne Connolly’s family and friends, to colleagues at Connolly Scaffolding, and to everyone at the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation following this sudden and deeply felt loss.
Several vehicles were damaged yesterday after scaffolding collapsed onto a residential street in Hove. No one was injured. The industry body NASC has today confirmed that the contractor involved was not one of its members.
Emergency services were called to First Avenue in Hove, East Sussex, on Thursday afternoon after the structure fell onto parked cars, leading to a road closure and an emergency response.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said it was alerted at around 13:30 following reports of collapsed scaffolding. One fire engine from Preston Circus attended the scene. Crews made the area safe, worked with police and cordoned off the road.
Firefighters left the scene shortly after 15:15, handing control back to the main building contractor. No injuries were reported.
Credit: BBC
Images from the scene showed several cars crushed or badly damaged by fallen tubes and boards. Residents described the collapse as dramatic and said it was fortunate no pedestrians were passing at the time.
The incident happened during a Met Office yellow weather warning covering Sussex and much of Surrey. The warning, which remained in force until 21:00, highlighted the risk of heavy rain and strong winds.
NASC response and safety concerns
Following the collapse, the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation confirmed that the firm involved was not a member of the organisation.
In a statement, NASC said it was appalled by the incident and stressed that scaffolding should not collapse when it is properly designed, erected, inspected and maintained in line with recognised standards such as TG20 or TG30.
“Scaffolding should never collapse if it has been competently erected to a valid design or recognised compliance sheet, and if appropriate controls and competent personnel are in place,” a NASC spokesperson said.
As 2025 draws to a close and we prepare for the festive break, we’re taking a moment to reflect on another remarkable year for both the scaffolding industry and Scaffmag.
Our website welcomed over 356,000 visitors from around the world this year, generating more than 898,000 page views across our comprehensive coverage of industry news and features. These numbers reflect your ongoing trust in Scaffmag as your go-to source for scaffolding sector updates.
Looking ahead to 2026, we remain committed to delivering the latest trade news, insights, and developments that matter to you. Whether you’re reading on a desktop, tablet, or mobile, or settling down with our quarterly magazine, we’ll continue keeping you connected to everything happening across the industry.
During the holiday period, we’ll monitor for any major breaking news, with our full news coverage resuming on 5 January 2026.
From all of us at Scaffmag, we wish our valued readers, subscribers, and thousands of social media followers worldwide a safe and merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Thank you for your continued support throughout 2025.
One of Wales’ established scaffolding contractors has secured a new base at Newport Docks as part of its growth plans across South Wales and beyond.
Spartan Scaffolding, headquartered at Swansea Docks, has taken on a one-acre site that will operate as both a storage hub and an office facility. The company says the move will increase capacity and improve logistics as demand for its services continues to grow.
The Newport site will provide secure storage for scaffolding equipment and a base for office functions, allowing Spartan to deploy resources more efficiently across mid and South Wales, as well as neighbouring parts of England.
Jason Lewis, owner of Spartan Scaffolding, said the new facility was a strategic step forward for the business.
“Securing a dedicated site at Newport Docks gives Spartan Scaffolding enhanced capacity for storage and logistics, supporting our existing contracts and future growth,” he said.
“The site will enable more efficient deployment of our services across South Wales and neighbouring English regions. It is an important step for our growth plans.”
Spartan Scaffolding delivers commercial, industrial and domestic scaffolding services, with the majority of its client base located across mid and South Wales.
The acquisition of the Newport Docks site was advised by Cardiff-based RJ Chartered Surveyors.
One of Scotland’s leading construction and scaffolding businesses has raised £170,000 for the charity Reverse Rett after hosting a major fundraising gala to mark its 30th anniversary.
The JR Group welcomed around 700 guests to its black-tie A December to Remember Charity Gala at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow, bringing together clients, partners and supporters from across the construction and scaffolding sector.
The event focused on raising awareness and funds for Rett Syndrome, a rare neurological condition. The charity was chosen following the experience of a long-standing client and friend of the business, whose daughter lives with the condition.
By the end of the evening, £170,000 had been raised through table donations, a live auction led by auctioneer Alex Fleming, and a silent auction featuring a range of high-value lots.
One of the standout moments of the night saw a sculpture created by Sir Billy Connolly sell for £30,000. Several other auction items also achieved five-figure sums, including exclusive golf experiences with Graham Souness, Martin O’Neill and Alan Shearer.
Guests were treated to a three-course meal, live music from The Ambassador Band, and a performance from Scottish DJ and broadcaster George Bowie.
John Horne, founder and managing director of The JR Group, said the response had exceeded expectations.
“The generosity shown at our 30th anniversary charity gala has been nothing short of overwhelming,” he said. “To raise £170,000 in one evening is truly remarkable and says a great deal about the people who came together to support this cause.“Every guest played a part in creating a night filled with compassion and hope. It was a powerful way to celebrate 30 years in business while supporting families living with Rett Syndrome.”
All proceeds from the event will support Reverse Rett’s work in funding research, improving clinical care and raising awareness of the condition.
Scott and Kate McMaster, parents of 12-year-old Kim, said the support from The JR Group and its wider network would have a lasting impact.
“This level of support makes a real difference to families like ours,” they said. “Reverse Rett is a small charity, and the awareness raised alongside the funds will have a lasting impact across the Rett community.”
Norway has become the latest country to join the International Access and Scaffolding Association (IASA), following the Federation of Norwegian Industries’ decision to become a member of the global body
The move brings Norsk Industri, which represents a broad range of companies across Norway’s construction and industrial sectors, into IASA’s growing international membership. IASA said the addition strengthens its European presence and supports closer alignment on safety, training and industry standards.
IASA chairman Wayne Connolly said the federation’s values closely matched those of the organisation.“We are delighted to welcome the Federation of Norwegian Industries into the IASA family,” he said. “Their commitment to safety, innovation and professional excellence aligns perfectly with our mission.”
Connolly added that Norway’s involvement would help build a stronger and more unified international voice for the scaffolding and access sector, supporting safer and more consistent working practices across borders
Geir Gule, chairman of the Scaffolding Forum within the Federation of Norwegian Industries, said the organisation was keen to play an active role within IASA.
“We are enthusiastic about joining IASA and look forward to supporting the organisation in reaching its goal of becoming the global voice of the scaffolding industry,” he said
IASA said it expects to work closely with Norsk Industri on shared priorities, including training, the harmonisation of best practice and the promotion of safe working at height internationally
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Peoples Safety Ltd’s deployment of the Ringlock modular system has shown how engineered components can bring the adaptability, accuracy and efficiency that sensitive, multi-phase projects demand.
Working for Robertson Construction Central East, Peoples Safety has relied heavily on AT-PAC’s Ringlock to overcome challenges that would have been far more time-consuming and expensive with tube and fitting alone.
The Grand Old Lady gets a new lease of life
Despite operating continuously since 1906, the Grade A-listed theatre had reached the point where a comprehensive restoration project was unavoidable. The three-year refurbishment aims to preserve the building’s architectural character while finally delivering step-free access, enhanced backstage facilities and a raised fly tower capable of supporting modern productions.
The King’s Theatre opened on 8 December 1906 with Cinderella, establishing a pantomime tradition that endures today. Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie laid the foundation stone, and architect J. D. Swanston designed the venue as a deliberate rival to the Royal Lyceum.
Known locally as the “People’s Theatre”, it is recognised as Scotland’s oldest continuously operating theatre. In 2013, artist John Byrne added a distinctive ceiling mural inside the main dome, which has since become one of the building’s best-known features.
Building a scaffold inside a scaffold
A central element of the internal works is a full-height birdcage scaffold constructed inside the auditorium. AT-PAC’s Ringlock modular design proved critical here. The system’s standardised components allowed Peoples Safety to create a precisely aligned structure that could follow the auditorium’s irregular curves and varying geometries with far greater accuracy than conventional tube and fitting.
The birdcage provides controlled access to Byrne’s painted dome while protecting the fragile Edwardian plasterwork below. Just as importantly, AT-PAC’s engineered connections enabled rapid assembly, allowing the team to build the structure efficiently and with reduced programme impact.
One of the most demanding parts of the project is raising the fly tower by 4.5 metres. Peoples Safety originally constructed a 19-metre internal scaffold to support the removal of old rigging and steelwork. As the engineering plan evolved, this was extended to 24 metres to accommodate the new roof structure.
This mid-project redesign demonstrated one of AT-PAC’s key advantages: the ability to modify, extend or reconfigure existing structures without dismantling large sections of scaffold. The modular system meant the team could respond to design changes quickly, maintaining safety and continuity while avoiding cost escalation.
Making it fit where it should not
Heritage buildings rarely offer straightforward scaffold access, and the King’s Theatre is no exception. AT-PAC’s versatility enabled Peoples Safety to engineer bespoke solutions in the tightest corners of the building.
External scaffolds wrap the theatre along Tarvit Street and around the front and rear façades. The 22-metre-high structure incorporates a fully boarded rubble chute and was adapted to allow site cabins to remain in place, an example of how the modular system can be shaped to suit site logistics.
Internally, AT-PAC came into its own in the narrow Edwardian passageways. The compact components allowed the Peoples Safety team to erect lifting frames capable of guiding new steel stair sections through tight spaces with millimetre-level control.
The system’s uniform geometry also ensured each configuration delivered the required stability, even in confined areas where tube and fitting would have been slower and more complex.
Overhead protection at scale
A 16-metre-high crash deck system, built using AT-PAC Ringlock components, has provided robust overhead protection throughout the auditorium works. The deck incorporates hard barriers and Monoflex sheeting and is designed to support multiple working levels.
AT-PAC’s Ringlock load-bearing capacity meant the crash deck could handle the weight of trades working above, below and across its platforms without compromising heritage elements.
“A permanent scaffold presence was maintained on site,” says John Peoples, MD of Peoples Safety Ltd. “Given the building’s age, layout and the various challenges encountered, we worked closely with fellow subcontractors to address issues and meet their operational requirements.”
The company has developed strong working relationships with bricklaying, steelwork and specialist conservation teams, with scaffold alterations carried out efficiently as new requirements emerged.
Peoples Safety has now completed around 90 per cent of the main scaffold package. The remaining work involves supporting final stone repairs and ongoing internal tasks as other contractors progress towards the planned Summer 2026 reopening.
Why modular matters on heritage projects
The King’s Theatre project shows why AT-PAC’s Ringlock modular system is well-suited to heritage restoration. The system offers:
• Flexibility to respond to unforeseen discoveries during strip-out
• Fast modifications without extensive dismantling
• Precision-engineered components that adapt to irregular geometry
• High load capacity for multi-level internal work
• Faster, cleaner assembly that reduces disruption inside historic spaces
• Predictable, repeatable connections that simplify inspection and maintenance
In historic structures where each phase reveals new challenges, modular scaffolding can save weeks of programme time and considerable labour costs. AT-PAC’s performance at the King’s Theatre demonstrates how the right engineered system supports both heritage protection and construction efficiency.
For Peoples Safety, the project stands as a showcase of their ability to deliver large-scale, technically challenging access solutions. For AT-PAC, it is a high-profile example of a system designed for modern construction but proving its worth in the most traditional of environments.
Scaffmag is expanding into the United States through a strategic multi-year partnership with the Scaffold & Access Industry Association to produce SA Magazine from 2026.
The agreement marks Scaffmag’s first formal entry into the American market and will see the publisher deliver full editorial, design and production services for SAIA’s bi-monthly publication whilst the association retains ownership and strategic direction.
SA Magazine will relaunch with a modern design in both print and digital formats, featuring content focused on safety standards, regulatory updates, emerging technologies, training insights and international best practices across the scaffolding and access sector.
The partnership combines SAIA’s position as America’s leading scaffolding and access industry association with Scaffmag’s established international readership of more than 328,000 across Europe, 40,000-plus in North America, and growing audiences in Australia and New Zealand.
Mike Bredl, president of SAIA, said the collaboration positions SA Magazine as a leading international authority for scaffolding and access innovation.
“This relaunch reflects our commitment to elevating industry knowledge, expanding global connections, and providing meaningful value to our members and partners,” he said.
Daniel Norton, editor of Scaffmag, said: “This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to support SAIA and the American scaffolding industry whilst strengthening connections across the international access sector. We’re looking forward to working with SAIA to deliver a publication that serves the needs of scaffolding professionals on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Norton will take on the role of editor for SA Magazine as part of the agreement. Scaffmag Magazine will continue to publish as normal in the UK alongside the new venture.
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The Scaffolding Association has confirmed that Mark Parkin has stepped down from his position as Strategic Director.
In a statement to Scaffmag, the Association said: “We can confirm that Mark Parkin has recently left his role with the Scaffolding Association. The Association is currently considering the future of the post previously held by Mark, and it would not be appropriate for us to comment any further at this stage. We thank Mark for his support of the Association during his tenure and wish him well for the future.”
Parkin joined the Association in March 2025, bringing more than 35 years of experience across scaffolding operations, management, and industry leadership. His appointment was seen as a key part of the organisation’s plan to strengthen member engagement, raise safety standards, and promote the sector’s professional image.
Before joining the Scaffolding Association, Parkin held a range of senior roles within the scaffolding industry, including managing director, CEO, and operations director positions.
The Association has not yet announced whether it intends to appoint a successor.
Specialist contractor Careys is using advanced formwork and scaffolding systems from PERI UK to construct the 40-metre reinforced concrete structure at the Walsall Energy Recovery Facility, replacing traditional methods with engineered solutions that deliver significant time and safety benefits.
The project, being built for client Encyclis with main contractor Kanadevia Inova, required innovative approaches to two critical challenges: providing safe vertical access throughout the build and forming an 880mm thick ground slab.
To solve the access issue, Careys deployed up to ten PERI UP Flex Stair Towers across the site at peak construction. The system scaffold uses a gravity lock mechanism that requires only a hammer to secure components, eliminating the time-consuming measurement and coupling work associated with traditional tube and fitting scaffolding.
“Our PERI UP system is a system scaffold, which means everything has set lengths and heights. All you need is a hammer to lock the equipment securely,” explained Gilbert Kee, sales engineer at PERI UK. “This gravity lock system is incredibly easy to erect; you literally just drop the components in, strike it with a hammer, and it’s secure.”The system’s inherent levelness also removes the need for specialist inspectors to check every flight, saving considerable time. PERI UK provided full temporary works designs for the stair towers, transferring liability for structural stability from the contractor to the supplier.
For the ground floor, the team used the BECOSTOP permanent stop end system to segment the massive 20m x 20m concrete slab into manageable pours. The bespoke solution arrives on site ready-made, eliminating the labour-intensive cutting and propping required with traditional timber and ply methods.
“With our BECOSTOP system, erection is much quicker. Crucially, it’s left in position after the pour, unlike traditional methods where everything has to be removed,” said Kee.
William Griffith, project engineer at Careys, highlighted the safety advantages: “Due to the reinforcement detailing and the reinforcement projecting so far past the stop ends there was also a safety benefit in the use of BECOSTOP due to not having operatives getting beneath the projecting reinforcement and in some cases into the reinforcement cage to strike a typical stop end in this scenario.”
The structure, which extends from 6m below ground to 30m above, is now nearing structural completion. The concrete shell work for Careys lasted approximately 12 months.
The project demonstrates how modern, engineered systems can deliver measurable improvements in speed, safety and quality over conventional construction methods on complex industrial builds.
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John Horne, founder and managing director of The JR Group, said the response had exceeded expectations.
“The generosity shown at our 30th anniversary charity gala has been nothing short of overwhelming,” he said. “To raise £170,000 in one evening is truly remarkable and says a great deal about the people who came together to support this cause.
“Every guest played a part in creating a night filled with compassion and hope. It was a powerful way to celebrate 30 years in business while supporting families living with Rett Syndrome.”
All proceeds from the event will support Reverse Rett’s work in funding research, improving clinical care and raising awareness of the condition.
Scott and Kate McMaster, parents of 12-year-old Kim, said the support from The JR Group and its wider network would have a lasting impact.
“This level of support makes a real difference to families like ours,” they said. “Reverse Rett is a small charity, and the awareness raised alongside the funds will have a lasting impact across the Rett community.” 
John Horne, founder and managing director of The JR Group, said the response had exceeded expectations.
“The generosity shown at our 30th anniversary charity gala has been nothing short of overwhelming,” he said. “To raise £170,000 in one evening is truly remarkable and says a great deal about the people who came together to support this cause.
“Every guest played a part in creating a night filled with compassion and hope. It was a powerful way to celebrate 30 years in business while supporting families living with Rett Syndrome.”
All proceeds from the event will support Reverse Rett’s work in funding research, improving clinical care and raising awareness of the condition.
Scott and Kate McMaster, parents of 12-year-old Kim, said the support from The JR Group and its wider network would have a lasting impact.
“This level of support makes a real difference to families like ours,” they said. “Reverse Rett is a small charity, and the awareness raised alongside the funds will have a lasting impact across the Rett community.” 
The system’s inherent levelness also removes the need for specialist inspectors to check every flight, saving considerable time. PERI UK provided full temporary works designs for the stair towers, transferring liability for structural stability from the contractor to the supplier.
For the ground floor, the team used the BECOSTOP permanent stop end system to segment the massive 20m x 20m concrete slab into manageable pours. The bespoke solution arrives on site ready-made, eliminating the labour-intensive cutting and propping required with traditional timber and ply methods.
“With our BECOSTOP system, erection is much quicker. Crucially, it’s left in position after the pour, unlike traditional methods where everything has to be removed,” said Kee.
William Griffith, project engineer at Careys, highlighted the safety advantages: “Due to the reinforcement detailing and the reinforcement projecting so far past the stop ends there was also a safety benefit in the use of BECOSTOP due to not having operatives getting beneath the projecting reinforcement and in some cases into the reinforcement cage to strike a typical stop end in this scenario.”
The structure, which extends from 6m below ground to 30m above, is now nearing structural completion. The concrete shell work for Careys lasted approximately 12 months.
The project demonstrates how modern, engineered systems can deliver measurable improvements in speed, safety and quality over conventional construction methods on complex industrial builds. 
The system’s inherent levelness also removes the need for specialist inspectors to check every flight, saving considerable time. PERI UK provided full temporary works designs for the stair towers, transferring liability for structural stability from the contractor to the supplier.
For the ground floor, the team used the BECOSTOP permanent stop end system to segment the massive 20m x 20m concrete slab into manageable pours. The bespoke solution arrives on site ready-made, eliminating the labour-intensive cutting and propping required with traditional timber and ply methods.
“With our BECOSTOP system, erection is much quicker. Crucially, it’s left in position after the pour, unlike traditional methods where everything has to be removed,” said Kee.
William Griffith, project engineer at Careys, highlighted the safety advantages: “Due to the reinforcement detailing and the reinforcement projecting so far past the stop ends there was also a safety benefit in the use of BECOSTOP due to not having operatives getting beneath the projecting reinforcement and in some cases into the reinforcement cage to strike a typical stop end in this scenario.”
The structure, which extends from 6m below ground to 30m above, is now nearing structural completion. The concrete shell work for Careys lasted approximately 12 months.
The project demonstrates how modern, engineered systems can deliver measurable improvements in speed, safety and quality over conventional construction methods on complex industrial builds. 
